debat in denver. at a rally in las vegas, president obama tried to manage the speculations. >> i know the media is speculating who is going to have the best zinger. i don't know about that. governor romney, he's a good debater. >> reporter: as both hunker down for intense practice, the polls show americans overwhelming with the election and the president lose. in a new abc news/"washington post" poll out this morning, 63% of registered voters expect president obama to win the election. that's his biggest lead so far when it comes to expectations. but looking at like hi supporters, the race is much closer. president obama leads mitt romney by two points. republican governor chris christie predicted romney could close the gap with president obama after a strong showing on wednesday's debate. >> i'm absolutely confident when we get to thursday morning, george. >> reporter: president obama is keeping his answers short and concise. >> the president has got to be president. this is the guy that killed osama